Manchester United captain Roy Keane has praised team-mates Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo for giving their all in United's cruel F.A Cup Final defeat by Arsenal.

The Red Devils and the Gunners battled for two hours in Cardiff's Millennium in an attempt to revive their disappointing European and domestic seasons. After normal time and extra-time, neither side could find the back of the net so the F.A Cup had to be decided from the penalty spot for the first time in its long history, stretching over a century.

Paul Scholes' penalty miss decided the outcome of the game as Arsenal scored all five of their spot-kicks.

Skipper Roy Keane, who netted his penalty kick, praised the younger players for rising to such an occasion but admits the whole team are disappointed. "Ronaldo and Rooney were outstanding and they will be back," said Keane.

"The young players were very distraught after the game but they will be better for it. Football is about highs and lows and we are all disappointed.

"It's small consolation to say we were the better team, created all the chances and dominated. I am sure the Arsenal players won't be too bothered about that. They've got the winners' medals and cup. We haven't."

"Paul's penalty was saved but remember the number of times he has saved us. Hopefully, people won't forget that. Unfortunately, someone eventually is going to miss a penalty and unfortunately for us it just wasn't meant to be," added the Irishman.